Tobacco Shop Planned for Downtown Northfield

If all goes according to plan, a new tobacco shop could open on Division Street by the end of July, if not sooner.

Haider Alnomani, an Apple Valley resident, has signed a lease with Mainstreet Properties to use the former Hodge-Podge que’ space at the corner of Fifth and Division streets. earlier this year moved to Suite B of the 429 Division St. store.

Alnomani says the shop, called Division Tobacco, will have a walk-in humidor and offer, among other items, cigars, rolled tobacco, pipe tobacco and lighters.

He said he filed an application for a license with the city two weeks ago and hopes to receive approval by the City Council in the next week or two. Once approval comes through, Alnomani said, he’s going to change the floors and order showcases and product.

Alnomani, a former Minneapolis grocery store owner, said he was driving through Northfield recently and saw the vacant storefront, triggering the idea to open the shop.

“I like the area,” he said. “There are a lot of nice people.”

Despite opening in Northfield recently, Alnomani said he believes downtown Northfield and the surrounding area will support his business.

For now, Alnomani said, he and his partner will be the only employees. Should business take off, he said part-time help could be hired.